On an overcast day the crowds assembled to watch and play in the now annual, and eagerly anticipated, “Dads v Lads” Match. A good turnout meant that the usual 11 a side rule was treated with disdain and 14 or 15 turned out for each team!

 

The barbecue was a great success and had to be re-supplied and Connect 4, crazy golf, rounders and penalty shoot-out entertained those not interested in the day’s cricket.

 

There were some notable performances in the cricket. Mr Patel turned out to be a cracking batsman, being forced to retire having scored 25+. Rhys McCarthy proved more than a match for the Dads, bowling leg spin and mopping up the tail-end – but everyone played well and we had a good time and it was great fun.

 

Sadly rain stopped play before the boys were allowed to annihilate the Dads, who reached 102 for 12 in the allotted 25 overs. The Lads went in to bat under darkening skies and scored 6 off 3 overs for the loss of one wicket. Suddenly the heavens opened, the wind came up and as the rain started coming down at an angle the Dads ran off the field and took refuge in the bar!

 

Upon the application of the rather harsh Duckworth Lewis ruling it resulted in a resounding victory for the Dads (or so they said!). However, as nobody is able to explain this rather cruel ruling and this rather bizarre turn of events, the Lads will take this as a draw and look forward to a re-match next year (dtbf).

 

Thanks to all who worked hard to make the event a success – the Friends and Mr Highfield, who umpired but especially Mr Boswell!

 

David Barthorpe 9T